Deciding to start divorce proceedings isn’t something most people rush into.
For some, it’s a clear decision. For others, it’s still something you’re weighing up. Either way, taking a bit of time to get organised beforehand can make things feel far more manageable.
It doesn’t need to be complicated — just a few practical steps to help you feel more in control of what comes next.
1. Be sure it’s the right step
Divorce is both a legal process and a personal one.
Before anything formal begins, it’s worth giving yourself space to think things through. That doesn’t mean second-guessing yourself — just making sure you feel settled in your decision.
Once things are underway, it can move quickly in certain areas, so having that clarity early on helps.
2. Understand the legal side
In England and Wales, divorce is now based on the idea that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.
You don’t need to assign blame anymore, but there is still a process to follow and timelines to be aware of. It’s not instant, and it’s not always straightforward if finances or children are involved.
Having a basic understanding of how it works can take away a lot of the uncertainty.
3. Get a clear picture of your finances
Begin pulling together the basics:
- income
- savings
- property
- pensions
- debts
You don’t need everything perfectly organised from day one, but having a rough picture helps you understand where you stand.
It also makes conversations — whether with your solicitor or your ex-partner — much easier and more productive.
4. Think about the children first
If you have children, their day-to-day life is usually the biggest priority.
That means thinking about:
- where they’ll live
- how time will be shared
- keeping routines as consistent as possible
Courts expect both parents to focus on what works best for the children, not what feels “fair” between adults.
Where possible, keeping communication calm and child-focused can make a big difference here.
5. Get advice before you need it
Speaking to a family law solicitor early on doesn’t mean you’re committing to anything — it just gives you clarity.
It can help you:
- understand your rights
- avoid common mistakes
- sense-check any informal agreements
- plan your next steps properly
Even in amicable situations, a bit of guidance early on can save a lot of stress later.
Need to talk things through?
Divorce is rarely just one conversation or one decision — it’s a process that unfolds over time. Getting a few things in place early doesn’t make it easy, but it does make it clearer.
And when things feel clearer, it’s much easier to move forward with a bit more confidence.
At Lund Bennett Family Law, we speak to people at all stages — from those just starting to think about their options, to those ready to take the next step.
If you’d like to have a conversation about your situation, we’ll keep things straightforward and talk you through what to expect.
Sometimes that’s all you need to get started.